Beamer in Cricket — The Illegal Full-Toss Delivery Explained
Learn about the beamer in cricket — what it is, why it is illegal, how umpires respond, and the Laws governing this dangerous high full-toss delivery.
What Is a Beamer?
A beamer is a full-toss delivery bowled at or above the batter's waist height. Unlike a bouncer (which bounces before reaching the batter), a beamer travels without pitching and arrives at a dangerous height targeting the body or head. It is considered an illegal delivery because it poses a serious risk to the batter's safety.
Why Beamers Are Illegal
Under the Laws of Cricket (Law 41), a fast, high full-toss is considered unfair play and a dangerous delivery. When a bowler delivers a beamer, the umpire calls No Ball, adds a run to the batting side's total, and issues a formal warning to the bowler. A second beamer results in an immediate ban from further bowling in that innings.
Slow Beamers vs Fast Beamers
The Law distinguishes between fast and slow beamers. A slow beamer (from a spinner, for example) is less likely to be dangerous and may be treated differently at the umpire's discretion. A fast beamer from a pace bowler is automatically treated as dangerous — the high pace and unexpected trajectory leave the batter with insufficient time to react safely.
Accidental vs Deliberate Beamers
Most beamers in professional cricket are accidental — a yorker that goes wrong, a slower ball that slips. Deliberate beamers are extremely rare and are treated as serious misconduct under the ICC Code of Conduct. Intentional targeting of a batter with dangerous deliveries can result in suspensions beyond the match itself.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when a bowler bowls a beamer?
The umpire calls No Ball (adding a run to the batting side), issues a warning to the bowler, and if a second beamer is bowled, the bowler is immediately removed from bowling in that innings.
Is a beamer always intentional?
No — most beamers in professional cricket are accidental, resulting from a yorker or slower ball that loses its intended trajectory. Deliberate beamers are rare and treated as serious misconduct.